Stress & Anxiety Coping Mechanisms (Part 1)

There are many mechanisms that we can use to help us cope with stress and anxiety. The two we are going to talk about today are mindfulness and breathing exercises.

When we look up the definition of Mindfulness we find it is defined as, “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.”

There are so many ways you can practice mindfulness. You can get a mindfulness coach, you can read the books on it, or you can practice some simple exercises that will help train your mind.

This exercise is simple but incredibly powerful. It is designed to connect us with the beauty of the natural environment, which is easily missed when we’re rushing around…

Pick a natural organism within your immediate environment and focus on watching it for a minute or two. This could be a flower or an insect, the clouds or the moon.

Don’t do anything except notice the thing you are looking at. But really notice it. Look at it as if you are seeing it for the first time.

Visually explore every aspect of this glorious organism of the natural world. Allow yourself to be consumed by its presence and possibilities. Allow your spirit to connect with its role and purpose in the world. Allow yourself just to notice and ‘be’.”

The second mechanism we want to talk about today are breathing exercises. Breathing exercises have been proven to help calm the body and ease the mind. Here’s what you do…

Take a deep breath in slowly and hold your breath, counting to six. Breath out slowly, and count to six again before inhaling again. Do this three times.

These exercises can be done virtually anywhere, and I know that I have felt a world of a difference when I practice them! Let me know your thoughts and share your favourite breathing exercise or mindfulness exercise in the comments below!

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Published by Nichole Howson

Nichole is a Marketing Graduate and has a certificate in Christian Ministries as well. Nichole runs a Social Media Marketing company and manages a team of freelancers. In her spare time, Nichole volunteers for non-profits consulting and managing online marketing efforts. She also teaches free workshops in her local community.
View all posts by Nichole Howson